Healthy eating program increases fruit, veggie intake in rural youth

A recent program organized by the Michigan State University College of Nursing researchers increased consumption of fruits and vegetables among rural youth, as well as household food security and overall healthy weight.

The “Eat My ABCs” program partnered with community agencies in northern Michigan for two years — wrapping up in June 2024 — targeting 26 rural daycare classes and over 400 students to implement a 14-week program. Activities included learning about fruits and vegetables, including where they grow and the health benefits; as well as a mindful eating food taste activity where participants could see, feel, smell, taste and hear the food. Participating teachers sat in a 4-hour in-person training session with MSU researchers and staff and were provided resources throughout the program.

The program led to some big results in a small period of time:

• The level of carotenoids — a pigment in the skin that can be measured to determine one’s fruit or vegetable intake — went up in 43% of participants
• Total participants with a healthy weight increased by nearly 6%
• Average fruit intake increased, while sweets and sugar drinks intake decreased

 

“We are deeply grateful for the funding and partnerships that enabled us to offer this evidence-based program to our rural communities,” said Professor Jiying Ling. “The program’s success in enhancing young children’s lifelong eating habits and health underscores the strength of our academic-community collaboration.”

The project was funded by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, totaling $250,000 over two years. While the College of Nursing’s involvement in the project is complete, local agencies say they expect to continue the program.

For example, the Traverse City-based Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency says parents, children and teachers in the area found value in the program and 92% of the teaching teams who participated in the past two years continue to do so in the future.

“The ‘Eat My ABCs’ program aligns perfectly with our goals and provides established measures to determine progress,” said Shannon Phelps, the agency’s early childhood programs coordinator. “Participating in this program seemed like a natural fit, as it fosters positive relationships around food and encourages lifelong healthy eating habits.”

Parents appreciated having access to these resources.

“The program taught my kid not to be as picky because there were things that she had never tried and she would not try them, but now she’ll eat the different fruits or vegetables, and she’ll tell you what they are and if she likes them or not,” said one anonymous parent in feedback.

Published July 2024